Periodically the enthusiasm with which we exist seems to fade away for no reason. What was invigorating yesterday appears eerily empty today. The fact that enthusiasm can disappear so quickly and without warning is a cause of much anxiety. When such a disappearance occurs we are left uncertain not only of our path in existence, but also of our beliefs about existence itself. Generally this circumstance is perceived to be negative or undesirable. However, it is actually beneficial in that it forces us to reexamine the path we have chosen as well as the beliefs guiding that path. The periodic disappearance of enthusiasm is analogous to a reset mechanism in consciousness, and is effectively a recurring phase of existence characterized by our lapsing into a lower state of mind. Misinterpreted, this lapsing phase can be a source of great confusion. For within the perspective it provides, what we know to be wisdom becomes only triteness. Relatedly: what is exciting becomes drab, what is interesting becomes boring, what is enjoyable becomes tedious, and so on. The most important thing to remember about the lapsing phase is that it is a fact of existence. It cannot be avoided. It does not signify anything negative (or anything at all for that matter). It simply occurs. Accordingly, there is nothing that needs to be done about it, neither is there anything that can be done. Just as assuredly as we enter the lapsing phase we will exit it. That is to say, it will lapse.